The position of the metal hardware on Erika's MN strap on my BBB makes sense, the strap forms a loop and the hook adjusts the tightness. On the cheap ones it is different. It does not create a loop and if the hook becomes undone, the straps would open. It is probably due to some patents that they cannot replicate the well thought out design of the original.
Here is the comparison:
Out with a sharp knife and onward with the rebuild:
The cheap ones were on sale, so I got carried away a bit.
Once cut apart, they all have a bit of length variations, but in the end it's quite easy to convert them to the original design.
End result:
Well pleased with my needlework on Christmas day. But my verdict, the original is dear, but you get a high quality item. The cheap ones I would not order again. I was just too lasy to send them back to Sweden. I hope you are not saying that I received a duff lot and they are usually the same design as Erika's. Merry Christmas :-)